It is not in my DNA to make a fist towards a woman, let alone throw one.
But it also cuts against my DNA to sit on the sidelines and watch someone be tried, convicted and sentenced to a career death penalty in reaction to a media frenzy over an incident that most know very little in terms of what you need to know to properly dispense justice under these circumstances.
I confess that I have not followed this story. I knew that Rice had assaulted his fiance (now wife) in an act of domestic violence and there was much criticism of his 2 game suspension - not much else. But in driving to and fro to court yesterday, I heard all about the release of the video and how embarrassing it was to NFL and Ravens and how new action was needed. And now I have heard nearly nothing else in the sports media, including comments on this Board.
So ... I had to watch the video and see for myself. Given the contrast that was painted from what the facts were expected to be and what the video depicted - I expected to see some viciousness and/or premeditation on behalf of Ray. The kind of vicious and premeditated conduct that got Michael Vick criminally convicted and sent away.
So here is one question I have: If you know that Rice punched Janay and knocked her out - how is that video worse than those base facts?
And why do you think the New Jersey police were so lenient with Rice? He does not play there. Police and prosecutors often love to go after high profile defendants, whom they can use to enhance their careers.
In any domestic violence case, the perspective of the victim is a key component. You're going to have a very tough time going in front of a jury and asking them to condemn an assailant whom the victim does not condemn. Can it be done? Yes - but at the very least you'd need strong supporting circumstances - like a history of abuse. A very bad assault with lasting injuries. Perhaps a defenseless victim who cannot separate from the abuser --- kids and finances etc...
What do you have here? Janay not only supports Ray --- she married him! In fact, there is no evidence of which I am aware to suggest that she fears him.
Now let's go back to video. It certainly is helpful evidence in knowing what happened, but it is not everything. It does not tell us their history. It does not tell us what happened leading up to video or after. It does not tell us what was being said. I have handled enough trials over the years to know that it is very dangerous to reach conclusions on a portion of the evidence, without knowing all the facts.
So in looking at the video - here is a very plausible scenario. It might not be spot on, but such is the nature of speculation, which everyone who does not know all the facts is doing.
Before they enter the elevator - Janay appears to throw her hand at Ray, in what could have been an attempted slap. Then when they get into the elevator, it looks like Ray gives her a slap in the corner of the elevator. After she recovers from that, she then move towards him - what she intends to do - throw her own slap back? - yell at him? We don't know. Have they gone through these machinations before? We don't know.
But when she moves towards him - Ray decks her with a punch that is so quick - I really have a hard time seeing it. (Am I the only one?)
So anyway ... he punched her and we don't have all the evidence.
But let's now talk about the range of possible punishments (not knowing all the evidence). What does the victim want to see happen? Nothing.
Okay ... the victim does not get to control the outcome completely in these situations.
What would be typical punishment if you could convict him in a Court? (Understanding that you probably cannot convict him in court without the cooperation of the victim.)
It's possible to get jail time and a fine. There the person's background and history comes into play, as well as the wishes of the victim.
What would not happen is a person would not lose their career worth millions of dollars. In what Universe is that justice?
And how much is the Victim (now wife) of Ray punished as a consequence of Ray's punishment? Since when do we administer punishment that hurts the victim as much as the accused?
Gotta run, but in closing I'll say again ..... there is nothing like holding a Trial and administering Punishment in response to the pop Media and the mob mentality that grows out of it.